1826 - 1888 Composer of "CHAUTAUQUA" in The United Methodist Hymnal Sherwin, William Fisk, an American Baptist, was born at Buckland, Massachusetts, March 14,1826. His educational opportunities, so far as schools were concerned, were few, but he made excellent use of his time and surroundings. At fifteen he went to Boston and studied music under Dr. Mason: In due course he became a teacher of vocal music, and held several important appointments in Massachusetts; in Hudson and Albany, New York County, and then in New York City. Taking special interest in Sunday Schools, he composed carols and hymn-tunes largely for their use, and was associated with the Rev. R. Lowry and others in preparing Bright Jewels, and other popular Sunday School hymn and tune books. A few of his melodies are known in Great Britain through I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs and Solos, where they are given with his signature. His hymnwriting was limited. The following pieces are in common use:—
1. Grander than ocean's story (1871). The Love of God.
2. Hark, bark, the merry Christmas bells. Christmas Carol.
3. Lo, the day of God is breaking. The Spiritual Warfare.
4. Wake the song of joy and gladness. Sunday School or Temperance Anniversary.
5. Why is thy faith, 0 Child of God, so small. Safety in Jesus.
Mr. Sherwin died at Boston, Massachusetts, April 14, 1888.
-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
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Sherwin, W. F., p. 1055, i. Another hymn from his Bright Jewels, 1869, p. 68, is "Sound the battle cry" (Christian Courage), in the Sunday School Hymnary, 1905, and several other collections.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)
William F. Sherwin
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